DRE certification

Professional Lay Ecclesial Ministerial Certification

Professional Ministerial Certification

Liturgical Musician, Youth Minister, RCIA Coordinator, Director of Religious Education / Parish Catechetical Leader

The Church has always required proper preparation for those who exercise a ministry. Lay ecclesial ministers, just like the ordained, need and deserve formation of high standards, effective methods and comprehensive goals. Effective formation methods address the whole person—emotions, imagination, will, heart and mind.

Approved by the USCCB Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service Committee on Catholic Education.

1. Apply for Professional Lay Ecclesial Ministerial Certification Certification Application
Recertification Process
2. Provide Supporting Documentation
  • Education Transcripts
  • Equivalencies
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Self-Assessment Instrument
3. Plan Certification Path with Ministerial Advisor The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis reviews the application. Based on previous education and/or certification outlines coursework necessary for you to complete the certification process.
4. Complete Coursework

Coursework has two tracks and can be taken concurrently: Register Online

Core Theological Modules
  • Catholic Theology
  • Sacred Scripture
  • Catholic Church
  • Liturgy and Sacraments
  • Catholic Moral Teaching
  • Catholic Spirituality
Ministerial Modules
  • Administration
  • Methodology
  • Program Planning
5. Participate in a Retreat The formation component is designed to nurture each student's spiritual life and commitment to life-long ministerial development. A retreat approved by the Archdiocese of Detroit is required before the interview.
6. Complete a Practicum/Internship

The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis will assist in placing students in parishes or apostolates for their required practicum. The practicum can be completed any time during the certification process.

  • Students will be assigned a minimum of 40 hours of work, which includes both preparation and presentation time.
  • The practicum for the ministerial certification includes preparation and teaching a 40-minute class, which will be videotaped.
7. Attend an Interview to Confirm your Comprehension and Completion of Requirements Three members interview the applicant to review their application forms, modules attended, practicum work and overall requirements for content and compliance.

Certificate Length and Renewal

Certification for all professional ministry is granted for five years and the process must be completed in two years.

The process for certification renewal includes:

  • Completion of the Recertification Application
  • Student to provide proof of approved enrichment classes or continuing education related to the specific area of ministry that a candidate is applying—50 hours of education is required.
  • Practicum/Internship
  • Interview